Parents come to teacher's defense

Published 12:44 pm Thursday, December 11, 2008

By Kevin Hanson

The Courier-Herald

Enumclaw School District parents, students and former students stepped before their school board Monday night, expressing concern at the sudden departure of a popular teacher.

Emotions ran from tears to open hostility. There was one consistent thing, however: each of the 16 speakers was openly supportive of Dan Petchnick and expressed hope he would somehow be retained.

That was not to be. After meeting behind closed doors during Monday's meeting, the school board accepted a letter of resignation Petchnick had previously submitted.

The comments, accusations and allegations of the crowd - echoing those found in several "letters to the editor" published this week - have been refuted by school district officials.

The story surrounding Petchnick has two distinct versions. A group of boosters believe the veteran educator was ousted from his longtime position as a drafting teacher at Enumclaw High; they contend Petchnick was pressured to resign by administrators who don't care for his activism. Petchnick, who readily admits he's adept at ruffling feathers, opposed the high school's "reinvention" process and, later, openly questioned the school's policy regarding student absenteeism.

District leaders are adamant that Petchnick has opted to resign effective the end of the school year and that he has chosen to take a medical leave of absence beginning immediately. Friday was his last day in the classroom and he will not return.

Petchnick is ambiguous, making it clear there's an understanding which limits his comments. "I guess it's a collective decision, let's put it that way," he said, when asked the reason for his departure.

In a letter to district officials, fellow teachers and supporters, Petchnick said getting into details "is neither possible nor politically acceptable" at this time. He hinted, however, that the current educational climate at EHS doesn't mesh with his teaching style. "Turf wars and all the inherent negative ramifications and baggage attached to them are possibly unforseen and unpredictable results of small schools," he wrote.

EHS Principal Terry Parker was crystal clear late last week, denying Petchnick was forced out. "Dan's retirement is 100 percent his decision," Parker said, adding Petchnick is welcome to return next year if he chooses.

Among those speaking Monday night was Petchnick's wife, Cindy, who told the crowd her husband had been instructed not to say anything. However, her comments indicated Petchnick did not go willingly. "He would never quit in the middle of the year…his heart is broken," she said.

Speaking last week, while firm in his resolve not to discuss details, Petchnick offered only a "no comment" when asked if he would be retaining at attorney.